By now you have likely heard about the wildfires burning along the Canadian border in Quebec and Ottawa, and we are here to report on the potential impacts. As air quality wanes in Canada and much of the Northeastern United States, concerns have been presented by residents of the areas.
According to a report from NBC News, roughly 98 million people across 18 states, from New Hampshire to South Carolina, are currently under air quality alerts for wildfire smoke and ozone.
For New York City, the smoke has triggered air pollution warnings as the air quality index went above 400—well into the hazardous range. Flights have been grounded to limit air traffic, and citizens are urged to stay inside.
CBS News noted that there will likely be improvement to the air quality throughout New England as a trough passes the region. Some showers may also wash away some of the aerosols.
We reached out to several companies in the Northeast but have yet to hear back.
Hopefully no specialty food operators are affected by this smoke, although the smoke may cause potential issues with regards to labor. If the poor air quality continues, companies might see their operations delayed to ensure worker safety.
We hope that companies across Canada and the United States remain safe during this time.
Deli Market News will keep you informed as new reports come to light.